Photograph courtesy of Johnnie Walker.
Photograph courtesy of Johnnie Walker.
Across Manila, Johnnie Walker introduces a series of curated nightlife experiences featuring bespoke cocktails and live DJ sets called “Ruby Nights.”
At night, the library opens. At least on Guerrero Street in Makati, where The Spirits Library’s art deco façade draws you in. Beyond the foyer is a bar that doubles as an archive of rare bottles, historic books, and vintage curiosities. Inside, the hum of trumpets and the twang of an electric guitar soundtrack an illuminated display of bottles and glassware washed in shades of red.
This time around, red, or ruby, is the motif. For seven nights, The Spirits Library is one of several bars taking part in Johnnie Walker’s Ruby Nights. The center of the experience? The scotch whisky brand’s newest edition, the Black Ruby.
Created by Johnnie Walker master blender Dr. Emma Walker, the Black Ruby is a study in contrasts: “smooth yet striking, sweet yet grounded in the familiar smoky notes that have defined the house for generations.” Matured in PX and Oloroso sherry casks alongside traditional bourbon barrels, it opens with notes of raspberry jam, blackberry pie, maraschino cherry, spice, and a touch of smoke.
For the first Ruby Night of June, The Spirits Library welcomed its guests through a night of synthpop, soul funk, and samba fusion by Manda Soul. The DJ collective featured vinyl picks by Mr. Cang and Tsushima, filling each space of the bar with present-day hits and throwback tunes.
“For us, it comes down to three elements: music, mood, and menu,” says Fatima Espineda-Caeg, marketing manager of Johnnie Walker. “The menu showcases inventive Black Ruby serves, the music sets the tone for the evening, and the mood created through the overall atmosphere.” This includes lighting, visual cues, and the energy of the crowd, where the venue becomes a space where people can discover Black Ruby in a way that feels social, contemporary, and memorable.
Inspired by the whiskey, The Spirits Library created four drinks, with one of them, the Librarian’s Julep, concocted by World Class Philippines’ Bartender of the Year 2025 Ralph Allen Santos. His creation fuses the Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, spiced raspberry shrub, creole bitters, and strawberry popping pearls, where one sip equals one bite of boba. Their other Black Ruby signature serves include: the Garnet, an oolong tea and hibiscus soda blend, Ruby Mane, features 7 Spice, cherry liqueur, lemon, and angostura, and Ruby Society, a Campari-infused cocktail with raisins, coconut fat, and washed sweet vermouth.
“Malagihay brings a more playful and local perspective, with serves inspired by familiar Filipino flavors and nostalgic dessert references,” shares Espineda-Caeg, adding that The Spirits Library presents a polished and cocktail-forward interpretation using natural ingredients. “Across the different outlets, each bar brings its own impression of Ruby Nights to life, while still keeping Black Ruby at the heart of the experience.”
More than a cocktail crawl, Ruby Nights lean into the personality of each venue. “At Medusa, the experience is bold and theatrical, with the Black Ruby bottle integrated into the nightly performances and visual storytelling.” She continues, “At Opal, Ruby Nights takes on a more social and lifestyle-led energy, shaped by music, conversation, and a stylish crowd.” For those who want something more relaxed and local, Grasshopper Bar and Velveteen House are more intimate and discovery-led.
Participating bars include: Medusa at The Palace on June 13, The Spirits Library on June 6, 13, 20, and 27, Grasshopper Bar on June 20, Bar 10-4 on June 25, Velveteen Bar on June 15, and every third week of the month at Opal Bar. For those heading up North, Ruby Nights also has a La Union edition at the Ugly Bar, every 15th of the month.
Follow Johnnie Walker on Instagram for updates on more stops and upcoming Johnnie Walker Ruby Nights. Enjoy Johnnie Walker responsibly.
